Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Government Stipulates Conditions in Environment Impact Assessment

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued instructions under the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 stipulating conditions to improve the living conditions of construction labour at site.

It has been decided that henceforth, while granting Environmental Clearance for development projects under the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006, it will be incumbent on the constructing agency "to provide for housing for construction labour within the site with all necessary infrastructure and facilities such as fuel for cooking, mobile toilets, mobile STP, safe drinking water, medical health care, creche etc. The housing may be in the form of temporary structures to be removed after the completion of the project".

Given the fact that the construction sector is witnessing a huge growth and engagement of large number of labour has become necessary, it is felt that this provision is necessary to ensure that the construction labour get access to basic facilities and services.